Why managing stress is vital for your oral health!

Here at Chuckling Goat, we love to talk about the importance of the gut microbiome. But did you know you also have microbes within your mouth? A whopping 700-plus species of bacteria reside in the oral cavity, forming the oral microbiome.¹

The oral cavity is an integral part of the human body, and neglecting your oral health not only affects your mouth but your overall health and wellbeing too. Did you know the oral microbiome can become imbalanced? This imbalance is called oral dysbiosis and has been linked to a wide range of conditions, including dental cavities, gum disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease.²³

When you think of your oral health, I’m sure the importance of stress management isn’t the first thing that pops into mind! But oral health and stress are closely connected. Let’s explore this in more detail –

Stress and oral dysbiosis

Various factors can contribute to oral dysbiosis. Research has found stress is linked to imbalances within the oral microbiome.⁴⁵ The stress hormone cortisol has been found to cause changes in the oral microbiome.⁶ So, managing stress is key. Often, we view stress as a non-controllable life factor, but I’m here to tell you: You are not at the mercy of stress! Yes, everyone will experience stressful events, but building your resilience to stress is essential for navigating life’s ups and downs and supporting your oral and overall health.

How to manage your stress levels

Meditate – Meditation is a great stress management tool and the positive effects of meditation can be experienced quite quickly. One study showed that in just 10 days of using a mindfulness app, individuals noted a reduction in stress and irritability as well as improved mood.⁷
Spend time in nature -Time in nature can improve mood and reduce stress, making it a no-brainer!⁸ It could be as simple as going for a morning walk or clearing the weeds in your garden. Any time spent outdoors is going to be beneficial for your mental wellbeing, and your microbes will benefit too!
Lean on others – Stress can lead to mood changes including anger, sadness and frustration. Communicating calmly with those around you can help ease the burden of stress and leave you feeling less alone. Remember – a problem shared, is a problem halved.
Support your gut health – the gut and the brain are closely linked via the gut-brain axis. Therefore, including probiotics can help build your resilience to stress. Research shows boosting probiotics will support mood and cognitive function.⁹ Further research has linked gut dysbiosis, an imbalance within the gut microbes, to anxiety and stress.¹⁰¹¹ This highlights the importance of keeping your gut bugs happy and healthy! Did you know the Chuckling Goat synbiotic gut-brain smoothie has been tested and proven to support emotional wellbeing? Read the science here – Science backs Chuckling Goat’s synbiotic.
Ashwagandha – consuming this powerful, apoptogenic herb can help with stress and anxiety by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.¹² Ashwagandha is also a natural antimicrobial with the ability to inhibit various pathogenic bacteria.

Further tips for optimal oral health

Here are three extra tips for improving your dental health –

Kefir – Kefir is packed with beneficial bacteria. Not only does it replenish the gut microbiome but it will support your oral microbiome too. Research has found that kefir can reduce levels of Streptococcus mutans.¹³ This bacteria has been linked to dental cavities.¹⁴

Limit sugar – Limiting sugars in your diet can support your oral microbiome. Research shows the consumption of dietary sugars can change the balance of the oral bacteria by “enhancing the proportion of acid-producing bacteria and reducing alkali-producing bacteria in oral biofilms” .¹⁵ Don’t aim for 100% exclusion; this will feel unachievable. Instead, we are fans of the 80/20 rule here at Chuckling Goat – 80% of the time focus on nutrient-dense foods to support your gut and overall health and have the more indulgent foods 20% of the time. Instead of aiming for perfection, strive for balance!

Oral hygiene – your daily dental hygiene practices matter! Brush and floss regularly to maintain good oral hygiene. Also, book regular dental appointments, this is a great way to proactively care for your teeth and oral health.

If you’d like to delve deeper into the world of oral health, then look no further, these two articles are packed with useful information –

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays 8am to 8pm.